Reconnect with the Natural World

for Healing Wisdom & Daily Joy

In our fast-paced, hyper-digital world, we’ve lost something essential—our connection to the natural world. That disconnect shows up as anxiety, mental exhaustion, and a feeling of being unrooted from what truly matters.

The Novice Gardener exists to solve that problem.

I believe your backyard is a classroom for healing, wisdom, and daily joy. Through simple gardening instruction and deep nature connection, together, we rediscover the wonder that’s been waiting right outside your window.

Here, you’ll find more than just how to grow tomatoes (though you'll learn that too). You’ll discover your daily dose of nature therapy. You’ll learn what the natural world can teach us about life. You’ll explore the wildlife in your own backyard and find meaningful ways to slow down, heal, and reconnect.

Whether you’re planting your first seed or observing your first butterfly, I'm here to guide you—no experience required. Because the garden isn’t just about what you grow. It’s about who you become in the process.

Welcome to your journey back to nature. Welcome home.

What you'll find here

Gardening for Mental Wellness

Simple, beginner-friendly projects that get your hands in the soil and your mind at ease. Learn to grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs—even if you’ve never planted a seed before. No fancy equipment. No overwhelm. Just accessible instruction for busy, stressed people ready to try something new.

Backyard Wildlife Exploration

Discover the magic that’s already happening outside your window. From birds and butterflies to pollinators and beneficial insects, we’ll help you observe, understand, and support the incredible wildlife ecosystem in your own yard. You don’t need to travel to exotic locations—the wonder is right here.

Life Lessons from the Garden & our Natural Ecosystem

The natural world is our greatest teacher. Through thoughtful observation and seasonal rhythms, we explore what nature can teach us about patience, resilience, letting go, and living in harmony with the world around us. These aren’t just gardening videos—they’re invitations to see life differently.

Your Daily Dose of Wonder

Rediscover the awe you felt as a child. Each video is designed to help you slow down, notice beauty, and reconnect with the simple joy of being alive. Whether we’re watching seeds germinate or observing a hummingbird, we’re here to remind you that magic is everywhere.

About Elizabeth 🌱

Hi, I'm Elizabeth (Liz) Austin, and I'm so glad you're here!

I've always been inspired and centered by nature, gardens, and the peace, wisdom and perspective we can find in the natural world.

Growing up in Woodstock, Illinois, my mom and I would take many walks together through our backyard, where one of my most treasured memories was discovering the delicate lilies of the valley together. I can still picture those sweet white bells dancing on their graceful stalks, and I have vivid memories of my mom and me even singing a lily of the valley song as we admired them. There was something pure and joyful about those moments—sharing in the simple wonder of a flower.

My family also attended National Audubon Society presentations on Sundays at our charming Woodstock Opera House. We'd sit there in the dark, watching slide shows of birds I'd never seen before, marveling at their wild colors and listening to their songs. It was a little bit quirky, a little bit magical, and it completely hooked me on the healing energies we can find in nature.

Following the presentations, my Mom and I often took walks through Ryders Woods, our neighborhood conservation area, just a short walk from our house and practically our backyard. We'd talk about all the birds we'd just learned about while identifying different plants and flowers along the paths.

My dad, who was editor of National Wildlife Magazine, was always encouraging me to look for deer and other critters hiding in the woods. One of my favorite childhood projects was when we built and installed little bluebird houses at our family farmhouse. We weren't just learning about ecosystems; we were actually getting our hands dirty in the soil and creating homes for wildlife.

I even signed up for a birdwatching class as a freshman at Middlebury College just so I could spend more time in the Vermont woods, watching the snow geese migrations of the Northeast. It was an unforgettable way to learn about the interconnectedness of all living things and the ultimate therapy.

After working in the global corporate world as a personal development director for organizations and companies including The International Olympic Committee and The Walt Disney Company for more than 2 decades, I realized that finding wisdom and wonder in gardening and nature and sharing it with others is what I truly love. And that's how The Novice Gardener came to be.

My mission is simple: To help you clear the mental clutter, reconnect with what matters most, and find peace through the gentle guidance nature offers us freely each day.

Thanks so much for joining me on this journey back to what's real, rooted, grounded and true.

Much love,

Elizabeth

The Novice Gardener 🌿

Elizabeth received her MA in Adult Education from University of Limerick in Ireland and her BA in Liberal Arts Studies from Middlebury College in Vermont. She's a dedicated Naturalist & Nature Conservationist, Nature Photographer/Gardener and a certified Mindfulness Meditation specialist & Reiki Master Practitioner. She resides with her family in McHenry, IL where she supports local conservation efforts and teaches classes in nature education.

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